Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and the British Royal Air Force (RAF) have successfully demonstrated how an F-35 in flight can transmit classified data in real time to a non-US Command and Control (C2) system for the first time as part of Project Deimos.
In this demonstration, the F-35 took off from the Lockheed Martin site in Fort Worth and transmitted sensitive data via an Open Systems Gateway (OSG) developed by Skunk Works. This data was transmitted via commercial satellite communications to an RAF laboratory in Farnborough, where it was seamlessly integrated into the RAF’s NEXUS Combat Cloud. “This technological milestone marks a significant advance in multi-domain integration and enables real-time interoperability of the F-35 with a non-US C2 system,” according to a recent press release from the US defense contractor.
“Project DEIMOS has been a highly successful UK-US trial demonstrating that an active F-35 can securely transmit data to the RAF’s NEXUS Combat Cloud. This is a critical step towards a future integrated battlefield and optimized air command structure,” said Air Commodore Chris Melville, head of the Royal Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office. “Together with Lockheed Martin and SiXWorks, we have demonstrated how working in partnership with industry partners can drive innovation and the development of future capabilities. We are extremely pleased with the results.”
John Clark, Vice President at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, added: “This demonstration is a breakthrough for multi-domain operations and highlights the F-35’s ability to securely share classified data with our international partners via an Open Systems Gateway. Close collaboration with the UK MoD and leading industry partners has enabled this success and shows how strong partnerships can drive innovation. Such collaborations accelerate the delivery of advanced capabilities to respond to the growing challenges in a complex global threat environment.”
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works remains committed to developing open architecture solutions that strengthen the multi-domain integration capabilities of allied forces worldwide.
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